Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 9-121
§ 9-121.
  (a)   (1)   In this section, the following words have the meanings indicated.
    (2)   "Client" means a person who communicates to or receives services from a licensed certified social worker regarding his mental or emotional condition, or from any other person participating directly or vitally with a licensed certified social worker in rendering those services, in consultation with or under direct supervision of a licensed certified social worker.
    (3)   "Licensed certified social worker" means any person licensed as a certified social worker under Title 19 of the Health Occupations Article.
    (4)   "Witness" means a licensed certified social worker or any other person participating directly or vitally with a licensed certified social worker in rendering services to a client, in consultation with or under direct supervision of a licensed certified social worker.
  (b)   Unless otherwise provided, in all judicial or administrative proceedings, a client has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent a witness from disclosing, communications made while the client was receiving counseling or any information that by its nature would show that such counseling occurred.
  (c)   If a client is incompetent to assert or waive this privilege, a guardian shall be appointed and shall act for the client. A previously appointed guardian has the same authority.
  (d)   There is no privilege if:
    (1)   A disclosure is necessary for the purpose of placing the client in a facility for mental illness;
    (2)   A judge finds that the client, after being informed there will be no privilege, makes communications in the course of an examination ordered by the court;
    (3)   In a civil or criminal proceeding:
      (i)   The client introduces the client's mental condition as an element of the claim or defense; or
      (ii)   After the client's death, the client's mental condition is introduced by any party claiming or defending through or as a beneficiary of the client;
    (4)   The client or the personal representative of the client makes a claim against the licensed certified social worker for malpractice; or
    (5)   The client expressly consents to waive the privilege, or in the case of death or disability, the client's personal representative waives the privilege for purpose of making a claim or bringing suit on a policy of insurance on life, health, or physical condition.
  (e)   There is no privilege in:
    (1)   Any administrative or judicial nondelinquent juvenile proceeding;
    (2)   Any guardianship and adoption proceeding initiated by a child placement agency;
    (3)   Any guardianship and protective services proceeding concerning disabled persons; or
    (4)   Any criminal or delinquency proceeding in which there is a charge of child abuse or neglect or which arises out of an investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect.